Monitoring preneoplastic antigen

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of preneoplastic antigen (microsomal epoxide hydrolase) in serum. The presence of PNA is associated with abnormal liver conditions, including neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions and hepatocellular carcinoma.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for identifying hepatic preneoplastic or neoplastic lesions in a vertebrate, said method comprising: taking a serum sample from the vertebrate;   assaying said sample to determine the amount of microsomal epoxide hydrolase present therein; and   comparing the determined amount of microsomal epoxide hydrolase with a predetermined level which level is diagnostic of hepatic preneoplastic or neoplastic lesions.   
     
     
       2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of assaying comprises an immunoassay. 
     
     
       3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of assaying comprises introducing into the serum sample a substrate for microsomal epoxide hydrolase and observing the formation of product. 
     
     
       4. A method as in claim 3, wherein the substrate is cis-stilbene oxide and the product is stilbene diol. 
     
     
       5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the vertebrate is a human. 
     
     
       6. A method for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient, said method comprising: taking a serum sample from said patient;   assaying said serum sample for the presence of microsomal epoxide hydrolase; and   further examining the patient if the level of microsomal epoxide hydrolase is above a predetermined level.   
     
     
       7. A method as in claim 6, wherein said step of assaying comprises an immunoassay. 
     
     
       8. A method as in claim 6, wherein said step of assaying comprises introducing into the serum sample a substrate for microsomal epoxide hydrolase and observing the formation of product. 
     
     
       9. A method as in claim 8, wherein the substrate is cis-stilbene oxide and the product is stilbene diol. 
     
     
       10. A method as in claim 6, wherein the predetermined level of microsomal epoxide hydrolase corresponds to an activity of about 1 pmole/hr-ml.